Myanmar junta, armed alliance confirm China-mediated ceasefire
The Hindu
Myanmar’s military and an alliance of armed ethnic minority groups announced a ceasefire on Friday after months of conflict that has claimed hundreds of lives and posed the biggest threat to the junta since it seized power in 2021.
Myanmar's military and an alliance of armed ethnic minority groups announced a ceasefire after months of conflict that has claimed hundreds of lives and posed the biggest threat to the junta since it seized power in 2021.
Conflict has raged in Myanmar's northern Shan state since October 2023, when the alliance of ethnic minority groups launched an offensive against the junta.
The alliance has seized several towns and border hubs vital for trade with China.
"With the help of China's facilitation, there was a meeting in (the southern Chinese city) Kunming. We have reached a ceasefire agreement," junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun told AFP.
Tar Bhone Kyaw of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) - one member of the alliance - said they had "agreed to reopen border trade" with China.
China also announced the ceasefire on January 12.
"The two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire, to disengage military personnel and resolve relevant disputes and demands through peaceful negotiations," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.
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